James R. Smith

James R. Smith, 82, of Anderson, IN passed away July 27, 2024at St. Vincent Ascension Hospital in Anderson. He was born in Mt. Clemens, MI, a son of the late James and Marion June (Westendorf) Smith.
Jim graduated from Williamston High School in 1960. A veteran of the U.S. Marines, Jim loved family reunions, as his family was very important to him. He enjoyed horse racing, gambling, hunting, fishing, dogs, horses, and trips to Canada. When traveling, Jim liked to take the back roads and tried to avoid the interstates.

As a journeyman lineman, Jim worked all over the country in high-line electrical construction, working out of I.B.E.W. Union local #17 in Detroit and Local #1002 in Tulsa, OK.

Jim retired to Indiana and began a second career has a harness horse owner. His horses raced all over North America. Jim and trusted trainer, driver and part-owner Joe Putnam won several State Fair, sire stakes and county fair races in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his children, James Smith of Chatham, IL, Renee (Dan) Winchester of Petersburg, MI, and Martha (Doug) Waltz of Kalamazoo, MI; several grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; a sister, Doris (Hank) Gretzinger of Gwinn, MI; two brothers, Michael Smith of Winter Garden, FL, and Dennis (Ginette) Smith of Locust Hill, VA.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Laberta Smith; a daughter, Christina Smith, and a brother, Brian Smith.

There will be no services. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard and Sons Funeral Home in Middletown. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.ballardandsons.com .